CanoeingDefinition:- a boat where the paddler faces forward kneeling , using a single blade paddle.

Scarborough and District Canoe Club has a selection of Canadian open canoes for use by members. A small group of club members regularly organise trips on Yorkshire rivers at weekends. We often see Kingfishers, Grey Herons and an array of other wildlife. We stop at quiet idyllic riverside settings for our tea breaks and picnic lunch.Canadian open canoes are larger than kayaks and can be paddled singly or in pairs. No previous experience is necessary. Experienced paddlers will teach you the skills you need to have a relaxing and exhilarating day on the river. Very little equipment is required. You don’t need a wetsuit, although waterproof leggings and a jacket are advisable as we can’t always guarantee clear sunny skies! Buoyancy aids and paddles can be provided. Kneepads, available from most builder’s merchants and DIY stores, are recommended. A ‘dry bag’ to keep your sandwiches and clothing dry is also a good idea . A change of clothing and towel are essential in case you do fall in, although this happens very rarely. The sandwiches are a must!New paddlers are made very welcome. Introductory sessions can be arranged. More experienced paddlers can arrange to hire canoes for longer trips.NOTE Some river paddling experience is required to take part in our river trips, so if you are a complete beginner it is probably best to come to our summer lake sessions first in order to gain some experience.

Wise Words of Warning!!

Leptospirosis – Weils DiseaseLeptospirosis is a nasty disease that is present in many parts of the world including the United Kingdom. As paddlers we spend a great deal of time in the same environment that the bacteria likes to live.Leptospirosis is a zoonotic condition, which means it is spread to humans by animals. You can catch leptospirosis by touching soil or water contaminated with the urine of wild animals infected with the leptospira bacteria.Animals known to be carriers of the leptospira bacteria include:- cows- pigs- dogs- rodents, particularly ratsOnce a young animal is infected, they shed the bacteria in their urine for the rest of their life. Most animals have no symptoms, but up to 1 in 10 infected dogs die from the disease. Human to human transmission through sex is possible, but very rare.SymptomsFor most people infection with leptospirosis causes a ‘flu-like’ illness that usually develops about 7 – 14 days after initial infection. The symptoms may include the following (although some people can present no symptoms at all):- Fever- Headache- Muscle aches and pains- Rashes- Often swollen and inflamed eyes and eyelidsTypically, there are two phases to the illness. First, the initial symptoms develop – this is known as the bacteraemic phase, where the organisms spread to the tissues. These systems tend to settle down but then a second phase may begin, as fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a rash may return. This more severe form of leptospirosis is known as Weil’s disease and can be fatal. One in ten people who get leptospirosis infection develop Weil’s disease and may suffer internal bleeding, liver damage and jaundice, and kidney damage.This is serious stuff but it can be treated very effectively with antibiotics if caught in time. If you are at all unsure whether you have or have not contracted leptosprirosis/weils disease you must seek medical advice and let them know that you are a kayaker/canoeist and that you may have been in contact with contaminated water/river banks.http://www.unsponsored.co.uk/press/?p=5855#more-5855